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Abstract:

A gooseneck coupler may be used on a towing vehicle to help tow certain
types of towed vehicles, such as trailers. The gooseneck coupler may
include a first member, a second member pivotally attached to the first
member, where the second member is capable of pivoting relative to the
first member from a first position to a second position. The gooseneck
coupler may also include an opening in the first member, the opening
sized to receive a hitch ball, and a clinch mechanism located within the
opening where the hitch ball is wedged between the clinch mechanism and
the second member when the second member is in the second position
relative to the first member.

Claims:

1. A gooseneck coupler comprising: a first member; a second member
pivotally attached to the first member, wherein the second member is
capable of pivoting relative to the first member from a first position to
a second position; an opening in the first member, the opening sized to
receive a hitch ball; and a clinch mechanism located within the opening
wherein the hitch ball is wedged between the clinch mechanism and the
second member when the second member is in the second position relative
to the first member.

2. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the first member comprises a
first plate with a generally hollow portion and the second member
comprises a blade or plate positioned within the hollow portion of the
first plate.

3. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the first member comprises a
first plate and the second member comprises a second plate.

4. The gooseneck coupler of claim 3, further comprising a locking
mechanism attached to the second plate, wherein the locking mechanism is
capable of securing the second plate and clinch mechanism in engagement
with the hitch ball.

5. The gooseneck coupler of claim 3, wherein the clinch mechanism
comprises a nub positioned in the opening of the first plate.

6. The gooseneck coupler of claim 3, wherein the clinch mechanism
comprises a weld bead positioned in the opening of the first plate.

7. The gooseneck coupler of claim 3, wherein the hitch ball includes a
hemispherical centerline and wherein the clinch mechanism and the second
plate engage the hitch ball at the hemispherical centerline when the
second plate is in the second position relative to the first plate.

8. The gooseneck coupler of claim 3, wherein the hitch ball includes a
hemispherical centerline and wherein the clinch mechanism and the second
plate engage the hitch ball below the hemispherical centerline when the
second plate is in the second position relative to the first plate.

9. The gooseneck coupler of claim 3, wherein the clinch mechanism engages
the hitch ball at a first location on the hitch ball and the second plate
engages the hitch ball at a second location on the hitch ball when the
second plate is in the second position relative to the first plate.

10. The gooseneck coupler of claim 9, wherein the second location is
lower on the hitch ball than the first location.

11. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism
comprises a continuous raised surface extending radially from the opening
and extending at least a portion of a circumference of the opening.

12. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism
comprises a plurality of discontinuous raised surfaces extending radially
from the opening and positioned on at least a portion of a circumference
of the opening.

13. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism is a
raised member removably attachable along a predetermined position along a
circumference of the opening.

14. The gooseneck coupler of claim 13, wherein the raised member extends
continuously along a portion of the circumference of the opening.

15. The gooseneck coupler of claim 13, wherein the raised member
comprises a plurality of raised members discontinuously and removably
attached to the circumference of the opening.

16. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism is
cast into the opening.

17. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism is
forged into the opening.

18. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism is
integrally formed with the opening.

19. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism is
removably attached to the opening.

20. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the opening further
includes a recess of substantially equal size to the clinch mechanism,
the recess positioned in the opening laterally opposite the clinch
mechanism.

21. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism
extends one-half of a circumference of the opening.

22. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism
extends between one-half and one-third of a circumference of the opening.

23. The gooseneck coupler of claim 1, wherein the clinch mechanism
extends less than one-third of a circumference of the opening.

24. A gooseneck coupler comprising: a base plate; a locking plate
pivotally attached to the base plate; an opening in the base plate, the
opening sized to receive a hitch ball; a clinch mechanism extending
radially from the opening and extending a portion of a circumference of
the opening; and a locking mechanism rotatable from a locked position
pivotally locking the locking plate relative to the base plate to secure
engagement of the hitch ball between the locking plate and the clinch
mechanism to an unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the
locking plate relative to the base plate to thereby release the locking
plate and the clinch mechanism from engagement with the hitch ball.

25. The gooseneck coupler of claim 24, wherein the clinch mechanism
comprises a raised surface extending a portion of a circumference of the
opening.

26. The gooseneck coupler of claim 25, further comprising a recess
positioned in the opening laterally opposed to the raised surface.

27. The gooseneck coupler of claim 26, wherein the recess is of
substantially equal size to the raised surface.

28. A gooseneck coupler comprising: a base plate; a locking plate
pivotally attached to the base plate; an opening in the base plate, the
opening sized to receive a hitch ball having a spherical portion; a
raised surface extending radially from the opening; a locking mechanism
attached to the locking plate, wherein the locking mechanism is capable
of securing the locking plate and raised surface in engagement with the
spherical portion of the hitch ball.

29. The gooseneck coupler of claim 28, further comprising a socket
adjacent the base plate and positioned over the opening, wherein the
socket is capable of engaging a portion of the hitch ball.

30. The gooseneck coupler of claim 29, wherein the hitch ball has an
articulation angle of approximately between 1 and 18 degrees relative to
the socket when the locking plate and raised surface are in engagement
with the spherical portion of the hitch ball.

31. The gooseneck coupler of claim 28, further comprising a recess
positioned in the opening laterally opposed the raised surface, wherein
the recess is sized to allow the hitch ball to pass through the opening.

[0002] The present invention is generally related to a coupler for
securing a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle and, more particularly, to a
gooseneck coupler with slideable style locking members with a clinch.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many vehicles are designed to transport freight, goods,
merchandise, personal property, and other large cargo. Often, these
vehicles may be arranged to tow a towed vehicle, such as for example a
trailer, by attaching the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, such as
through the use of some kind of hitch assembly. The towing industry has
developed a number of methods and apparatuses for securing or engaging
the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, such as attaching a trailer to a
pick-up truck.

[0004] There are many different types of trailer hitches in the art that
may be attached to the towing vehicle in a variety of ways depending on
the type of towed vehicle and towing vehicle involved. Some of the most
common types of hitches include gooseneck, fifth wheel hitches, and rear
mounted hitches. For example, towed vehicles may be connected to the
towing vehicle by way of a hitch assembly that includes a ball hitch or
member secured to the towing vehicle and a ball socket coupling mechanism
on the towed vehicle that mounts over the hitch ball and thereby allows
for the towed vehicle to pivot behind the towing vehicle.

[0005] Numerous types of hitch balls have been developed to be attached to
the bumper or other rear portion of a towing vehicle. The towed vehicle
may be equipped with a coupler mechanism to be attached to the towing
vehicle by placing the coupler mechanism over the hitch ball and securing
the coupler to the hitch ball. Similar apparatus using hitch receivers
attached to the rear of the towing vehicle and drawbars may be used to
secure towed vehicles to towing vehicles.

[0006] Some towed vehicles may be designed to carry heavy loads.
Connecting such a towed vehicle to a ball hitch on a bumper of a towing
vehicle, however, may be impractical. When a towed vehicle load is heavy
as compared to the weight of the towing vehicle, applying the towed
vehicle load generally over or in front of the rear axle of the towing
vehicle may create a more desirable towing condition. In addition, such
an arrangement may put much of the force of the towed vehicle load onto
structural members of the towing vehicle, such as the frame, whereby the
hitch ball may be located, for example, in the truck bed.

[0007] There are generally two arrangements for securing a towed vehicle
to the bed of a towing vehicle--a fifth wheel hitch and a gooseneck
hitch. A fifth wheel hitch may be utilized with towed vehicles having a
king pin, which may be part of a pin box attached to the towed vehicle.
Fifth wheel hitches may generally be attached in a bed of a truck or
directly to the frame of the truck in a more permanent manner, whereby
tools may generally be required to remove fasteners and other connectors
to install or uninstall a fifth wheel hitch to the bed of a towing
vehicle. A gooseneck hitch may be utilized with a towed vehicle having a
gooseneck coupler that may generally be coupled to a hitch ball that may
be located in the bed of the towing vehicle. The hitch ball may be
permanently or removably secured to the frame or bed of the towing
vehicle.

[0008] The towed vehicle coupler often has a socket portion that is sized
and shaped to receive the hitch ball. The gooseneck coupler may engage
the hitch ball to pivotally couple the towed vehicle to the towing
vehicle. The gooseneck coupler to hitch ball connection may allow for
relative movement between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle as the
towing vehicle makes turns, traverses uneven or rough terrain, and passes
along inclining and declining roadways. The hitch ball member may be
removed or lowered to a stowed position below the bed to ensure that the
use of the bed is not substantially hindered by the presence of the ball.

[0009] The gooseneck coupler typically may include a manually operated
clamping arrangement that may retain the ball member in the socket and,
thus, the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. This manually operated
clamping arrangement, however, may be difficult to operate effectively.
Therefore, there is a need for a gooseneck coupler with a clamping
arrangement that is more efficient to use. Further, current manually
operated gooseneck couplers include locking mechanisms that are
cumbersome and may interfere with the operation of the telescoping tubes
of a gooseneck coupler. Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient
locking mechanism.

[0010] Additionally, prior art gooseneck couplers, so as to achieve
adequate hitch ball retention, typically include sockets that are
required to be of substantially the same depth as the height of the hitch
ball. This causes the hitch ball to fit entirely within the socket. This
may, therefore, result in the locking plate engaging the neck of the
hitch ball, which may limit the angle of articulation of the gooseneck
coupler. Therefore, there is a need for a gooseneck coupler that may be
capable of overcoming these limitations.

SUMMARY

[0011] A gooseneck coupler for use with a towing vehicle towing a towed
vehicle is disclosed. The gooseneck coupler may include a first member,
and a second member pivotally attached to the first member, where the
second member is capable of pivoting relative to the first member from a
first position to a second position. The gooseneck coupler may also
include an opening in the first member, the opening sized to receive a
hitch ball, and a clinch mechanism located within the opening where the
hitch ball is wedged between the clinch mechanism and the second member
when the second member is in the second position relative to the first
member.

[0012] In some embodiments, a gooseneck coupler may include a base plate,
a locking plate pivotally attached to the base plate, an opening in the
base plate, the opening sized to receive a hitch ball, and a clinch
mechanism extending radially from the opening and extending a portion of
a circumference of the opening. The gooseneck coupler may further include
a locking mechanism rotatable from a locked position pivotally locking
the locking plate relative to the base plate to secure engagement of the
hitch ball between the locking plate and the clinch mechanism to an
unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the locking plate relative
to the base plate to thereby release the locking plate and the clinch
mechanism from engagement with the hitch ball.

[0013] In some embodiments, a gooseneck coupler may include a base plate,
a locking plate pivotally attached to the base plate, an opening in the
base plate, the opening sized to receive a hitch ball having a spherical
portion, and a raised surface extending radially from the opening. The
gooseneck coupler may also include a locking mechanism attached to the
locking plate, where the locking mechanism is capable of securing the
locking plate and raised surface in engagement with the spherical portion
of the hitch ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention may be better understood by reference to the
following detailed description taken in connection with the following
illustrations, wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of some embodiments of a gooseneck
coupler in a non-limiting example attached to a towing vehicle in an
extended position.

[0016] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portion the gooseneck coupler of
FIG. 1 in a retracted position.

[0017] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a portion of the gooseneck coupler
of FIG. 1 in a fully retracted position.

[0018]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the gooseneck coupler of FIG. 1 in
a retracted position.

[0019]FIG. 2B is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
gooseneck coupler in a retracted position.

[0020]FIG. 2c is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
gooseneck coupler in a retracted position.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the gooseneck coupler
of FIG. 1 in a locked position.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the gooseneck coupler
of FIG. 1 in an unlocked position.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bottom surface of a base plate of
the gooseneck coupler of FIG. 1.

[0024]FIG. 6 is a top view of the portion of the gooseneck coupler of
FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.
6 with a hitch ball in phantom.

[0026]FIG. 8 is top view of the portion of the gooseneck coupler of FIG.
1.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view taken along line 9-9 of FIG.
8 with a hitch ball in phantom.

[0028]FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of
alternative embodiments of FIG. 8 with a hitch ball in phantom and the
gooseneck coupler in the unlocked position.

[0029]FIG. 11 is a view of the alternative embodiments of FIG. 10 with
the hitch ball in phantom and the gooseneck coupler in the locked
position.

[0030]FIG. 12 is a view of the alternative embodiments of FIG. 11 with
the hitch ball in phantom and the gooseneck coupler in the locked
position.

[0031]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of some other
embodiments of a gooseneck coupler.

[0032]FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the other embodiments of the gooseneck
coupler of FIG. 13.

[0033] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a portion of other embodiments of a
gooseneck coupler.

[0034] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a portion of other embodiments of a
gooseneck coupler.

[0035]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0036]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0037]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0038] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0039]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0040]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0041]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiments of
the gooseneck coupler along line 23-23 of FIG. 22 in an unlocked
position.

[0042]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0043]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a portion of still other
embodiments of a gooseneck coupler.

[0044]FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiments of
the gooseneck coupler along line 26-26 of FIG. 25.

[0045]FIG. 27 is a perspective view a portion of other embodiments of a
gooseneck coupler.

[0046]FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the gooseneck coupler along
line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

[0047]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of still other
embodiments of a gooseneck coupler.

[0048]FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the gooseneck
coupler along line 30-30 of FIG. 29.

[0049]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a portion of yet other embodiments
of a gooseneck coupler.

[0050]FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the gooseneck
coupler along line 32-32 of FIG. 31.

[0051]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0052]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a portion of still other
embodiments of a gooseneck coupler.

[0053]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a portion of yet other embodiments
of a gooseneck coupler.

[0054]FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0055]FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a portion of still other
embodiments of a gooseneck coupler.

[0056]FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

[0057]FIG. 39 is a side view of the portion of the other embodiments of
the gooseneck coupler of FIG. 38.

[0058] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the gooseneck coupler along
line 40-40 of FIG. 38 in an unlocked position.

[0059]FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the gooseneck coupler along
line 40-40 of FIG. 38 in a locked position.

[0060]FIG. 40a is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of a
gooseneck coupler in an unlocked position.

[0061]FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of gooseneck coupler of FIG. 40a
in a locked position.

[0062]FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of
a gooseneck coupler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of
the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may
be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without
departing from the respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features
of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing
from the scope of the invention. As such, the following description is
presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the
various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the
illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the
invention.

[0064] A gooseneck coupler 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. The gooseneck
coupler 10 may be configured to be secured to a towed vehicle, such as a
trailer (not shown) and to engage a towing vehicle 11, such as a truck,
as shown in FIG. 1. The gooseneck coupler 10 may be of any appropriate
shape, size, type or configuration. The gooseneck coupler 10 may include
an outer tube 12, an inner tube 14, a base plate 16, a locking plate 20,
and a locking mechanism 24. In some embodiments, gooseneck coupler 10 may
include a single tube in lieu of the inner and outer tubes.

[0065] The outer tube 12 may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or
configuration, such as of a generally cylindrical or rectangular tubular
configuration. In an exemplary embodiment shown, the outer tube 12 is
shown as a generally cylindrical tubular configuration. The outer tube 12
may be located at any appropriate position on the gooseneck coupler 10,
such as outside of and surrounding the inner tube 14. For example, the
outer tube 12 may be of a slightly larger interior dimension than an
exterior dimension of the inner tube 14. The outer tube 12 further
includes a first end 25 and a second end 27. The second end 27 of the
outer tube 12 may attach to the towed vehicle in a variety of variations.

[0066] The inner tube 14 may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or
configuration, such as of a generally cylindrical or rectangular tubular
configuration. For example, the inner tube 14 may be of a correspondingly
similar shape as that of the outer tube 12 such that the inner tube 14
telescopingly engages the outer tube 12. In the exemplary embodiment
shown, the inner tube 14 is shown as a generally cylindrical tubular
configuration. The inner tube 14 may be of a slightly smaller exterior
dimension than an interior dimension of the outer tube 12. The inner tube
14 may be located at any appropriate position on the gooseneck coupler
10, such as located within a portion of the outer tube 12 and may be
positionable from a retracted position, such as that shown in FIG. 2A, to
an extended position, such as that shown in FIG. 1. In one exemplary
embodiment, the inner tube 14 may only extend a portion of the height of
the outer tube 12 when the inner tube 14 is in the fully retracted
position, such as that shown in FIG. 2c. In an alternative embodiment,
the inner tube 14 may be of substantially the same height as the outer
tube 12 when the inner tube 14 is in the fully retracted position, such
as that shown in FIG. 2B. In yet another alternative embodiment, the
inner tube 14 may extend beyond the height of the outer tube 12 when the
inner tube 14 is in the fully retracted position, such as that shown in
FIG. 2A.

[0067] As further shown in the drawings, the inner tube 14 includes a
first end 29 and a second end 31. The inner tube 14 may be attached to
the base plate 16 at the first end 29 such as by welding, attaching using
fasteners, integrally forming the inner tube 14 and the base plate 16
such as by forging or casting, or any other attachment process. The
second end 31 of the inner tube 14 extends into the outer tube 12 as
described above.

[0068] The base plate 16 may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or
configuration, such as of a generally ovular configuration as shown in
FIG. 5, or a generally rectangular configuration. The base plate 16 may
have an upper surface 32 and a lower surface 33. In the exemplary
embodiment shown, the inner tube 14 is attached to the upper surface 32
of the base plate 16. The base plate 16 may further include an extension
portion 34. The extension portion 34 may provide additional material to
attach the base plate 16 to the locking plate 20 as further described
below. Additionally, the base plate 16 may include a pivotal male
extension 37 to pivotally attach the locking plate 20 with the base plate
16. In an exemplary embodiment, the pivotal male extension 37 may be
integrally formed with the base plate 16. More specifically, the locking
plate 20 may include an aperture 38 shaped and sized to receive the
pivotal male extension 37 therein to pivotally attach the locking plate
20 and the base plate 16. In some embodiments however, pivotal male
extension 37 may be a component separate from base plate 16, such as a
pivot pin or the like.

[0069] The base plate 16 may further include an opening 35. The opening 35
may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as a
generally circular shape shown in FIG. 5. The opening 35 may be located
at any appropriate position on the base plate 16, such as at an
approximate central location on the base plate 16 as shown in the
exemplary embodiment. The base plate 16 may further include a socket 39
that may be positioned directly over the opening 35 such that the opening
35 may provide access to the socket 39.

[0070] The socket 39 may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or
configuration, such as of a generally semi-spherical shape as shown in
the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and 6-9. For example, the socket 39
may be of a shape and size to receive a hitch ball 42, which may be
attached to a towing vehicle in a conventional manner, within the socket
39. The hitch ball 42 may include a spherical portion 43 and a centerline
44. The socket 39 may be located at any appropriate position, such as
adjacent the opening 35 of the base plate 16 and adjacent the first end
29 of the inner tube 14. The socket 39 may be secured to the base plate
16 by any appropriate means, such as by welding, or the like. While the
base plate 16 and socket 39 may be shown as separate components, it is to
be understood that the base plate 16 and socket 39 may be fabricated as a
single integral piece and should not be limited to that shown or
described herein.

[0071] The base plate 16 may further include a single point lockable
device 50. The lockable device 50 may comprise an integrally formed ear
51 that includes an aperture 52 through the entire thickness of the ear
51 and more specifically through the entire thickness of the base plate
16. The ear 51 and aperture 52 may be positioned on the base plate 16
such that a lock (not shown), such as a standard padlock or the like, is
insertable through the aperture 52 to prevent the locking plate 20 from
being moved or otherwise moving from the locked position. More
specifically, the lock (not shown) may be inserted through the aperture
52, which prevents the locking plate 20 from pivoting relative to the
base plate 16 to keep the gooseneck coupler 10 in the locked position
either preventing the gooseneck coupler 10 from being removed from the
hitch ball 42 or preventing the gooseneck coupler 10 from being inserted
onto the hitch ball 42, as is applicable.

[0072] The base plate 16 may further include at least one lubrication
track 60 located in the lower surface 33 of the base plate 16. The
lubrication track 60 may be integrally formed into the base plate 16, or
alternatively, by way of a non-limiting example, made be formed in the
base plate 16 such as by machining it therein. As shown in an exemplary
embodiment, the base plate 16 includes a lubrication track 60 that allows
lubricant, such as oil, grease, or the like to enter into the ball socket
39, and more specifically enter at the location where the ball socket 39
rests on the hitch ball 42. The lubrication track 60 may also allow
lubricant to enter the location where the base plate 16 and the locking
plate 20 pivot, as further described below. Adding the lubricant into the
lubrication track 60 may make it easier to move the gooseneck coupler 10
from the unlocked position to the locked position and vice versa when
applying a lateral force to the gooseneck coupler 10. In addition, the
lubricant may be added through the lubrication tracks 60 to reduce the
occurrence of rusting of the gooseneck coupler 10, especially at the
pivot of the base plate 16 and the locking plate 20 and the engagement
between the hitch ball 42 and the socket 39.

[0073] The base plate 16 may include a slot 62. The slot 62 may be
positioned in proximity to the locking mechanism 24 such that when the
gooseneck coupler 10 is in the locked position, the locking mechanism 24
engages the slot 62 as more fully described below. The slot 62 may be
integrally formed with the base plate 16 or may be formed therein such as
by machining the slot 62 into the base plate 16 after formation of the
base plate 16, by way of a non-limiting example.

[0074] The locking plate 20 may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or
configuration, such as of a generally ovular or rectangular
configuration. For example, the locking plate 20 may be of a similar
shape and size as that of the base plate 16 and may likewise include an
extension portion 63. The locking plate 20 may be located at any
appropriate position on the gooseneck coupler 10, such as adjacent base
plate 16. For example, the locking plate 20 may be located in pivoting
engagement with the base plate 16 and in particular to the underside 33
of the base plate 16. More specifically, the locking plate 20 may be
pivotably connected to the base plate 16 at a pivot 67. The pivot 67 may
be located on the extension portion 34 of the base plate 16 and the
extension portion 63 of the locking plate 20 as is shown in FIGS. 3 and
4.

[0075] Base plate 16 may include a lubrication fitting 72, such as that
shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6-9. The lubrication fitting 72 may allow
lubricant to be added to the pivot 67 and into lubrication track 60,
which may make it easier to move the locking plate 20 relative to the
base plate 16 when a lateral force is applied to unlock and/or lock the
gooseneck coupler 10. In addition, the lubricant may reduce the
occurrence of rusting of the gooseneck coupler 10 at the pivot 67. The
combination of the lubrication fitting 72 and the lubrication track 60
may provide the opportunity to lubricate the gooseneck coupler 10, which
may extend the life of the gooseneck coupler 10 and may make it easier to
actuate the moving parts so lubricated.

[0076] The locking plate 20 may include a hitch ball opening 74. The hitch
ball opening 74 may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or
configuration, such as of a generally circular shape as shown in FIGS. 7
and 9. For example, the hitch ball opening 74 may be of a similar shape
and size as that of the opening 35 in the base plate 16. The hitch ball
opening 74 may be located at any appropriate position on the locking
plate 20, such as at an approximate central location on the locking plate
20, whereby the hitch ball opening 74 may generally align with the
opening 35 in the base plate 16 when the base plate 16 and locking plate
20 are pivotably attached and are in the unlocked position.

[0077] In some embodiments, the hitch ball opening 74 may be a continuous
opening in locking plate 20 (wherein the opening 74 may have a continuous
perimeter that defines the opening 74) or a discontinuous opening 74 such
as a recess, slot or other surface feature on a perimeter or side of
locking plate 20. In some embodiments, locking plate 20 may be generally
blade shaped with a surface feature on the periphery, such as a recess,
slot or the like, that may generally align with the opening 35 in base
plate 16 and may be capable of engaging a portion of the hitch ball 42
when in the locked or engaged position.

[0078] This alignment of the opening 35 in the base plate 16 and the hitch
ball opening 74 of the locking plate 20 may provide an entrance for the
hitch ball 42 to enter into the socket 39 of the base plate 16. The hitch
ball 42 of the towing vehicle may generally be located within and abut
the socket 39 during engagement of the gooseneck coupler 10 and the towed
vehicle.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 10-21, the base
plate 16 may further include a clinch 75 positioned on a circumference 76
at or adjacent to the opening 35a to the socket 39. Clinch 75 may extend
radially inwardly. In these embodiments, when the gooseneck coupler 10 is
in the locked position, the hitch ball 42 is wedgingly engaged between
the clinch 75 and the locking plate 20. In these embodiments, the clinch
75 may help balance the forces with the portion of the locking plate 20
that engages the hitch ball 42. Specifically when the clinch 75 and the
locking plate 20 engage the hitch ball 42 the load applied to the
gooseneck coupler 10 by the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle 11 may
be transferred between both the locking plate 20 and through the clinch
75 and up into the inner tube 14. It is, therefore, possible that less
load may be applied to the locking plate 20 during operation.

[0080] Specifically in some of the embodiments, the clinch 75 may be
positioned within the opening 35a of the socket 39 such that the clinch
75 and the locking plate 20 may engage the hitch ball 42 along a portion
of the spherical part 43 of the hitch ball 42, as is shown for example in
FIG. 11. By way of a non-limiting example, the clinch 75 and the locking
plate 20 may engage the hitch ball 42 at or on a location below the
hemispherical centerline 44 of the hitch ball 42, as shown for example in
FIG. 11. In these embodiments, the locking plate 20 and the clinch 75
engaging the hitch ball 42 on the spherical portion 43 thereof may allow
for the socket 39 to be of a less depth than other prior art sockets. The
present embodiments may allow for a shallower socket 39 wherein the
clinch 75 and the locking plate 20 may engage the spherical portion 43 of
the hitch ball 42 while being able to appropriately secure the hitch ball
42 with the clinch 75 and locking plate 20. The engagement of the hitch
ball 42 on the spherical portion 43 thereof may permit a larger
articulation angle α of the gooseneck coupler 10, which in turn may
allow for more articulation between the towed vehicle and towing vehicle
11 while appropriately retaining the hitch ball 42 with the clinch 75 and
locking plate 20. By way of a non-limiting example, the articulation
angle α of the gooseneck coupler 10 of the present embodiments may
be between approximately 1 and 18 degrees, as shown for example in FIG.
12, while the engagement of the hitch ball 42, the locking plate 20 and
clinch 75 remains tight.

[0081] In operation of the gooseneck coupler 10 of the present
embodiments, the hitch ball 42 may be inserted through the opening 35a
into the socket 39 while the locking mechanism 24 is in the unlocked
position, as is shown for example in FIG. 10. The locking plate 20 may
then be pivoted relative to the base plate 16. The hitch ball 42 may then
be wedgingly engaged between the locking plate 20 and the clinch 75 as is
shown in FIG. 11. The locking mechanism 24 may then be positioned to the
locking position securing the hitch ball 42 into wedging engagement
between the locking plate 20 and the clinch 75. The clinch 75 may further
impede the removal of the hitch ball 42 while the gooseneck coupler 10 is
in the locked position.

[0082] In some embodiments, the clinch 75 may comprise a continuous raised
surface 77 positioned on a circumference 76 of the opening 35a of the
socket 39, such as shown for example in FIG. 21. In some embodiments, the
raised surface 77 may be a continuous surface that extends almost
one-half of the circumference of the opening 35a. Alternatively, the
raised surface 77 may extend between one-half and one-third of the
circumference 76 of the opening 35a. In some embodiments, the raised
surface 77 may extend less than one-third of the circumference 76 of the
opening 35a, including, by way of a non-limiting example being a single
point such as a nub 77a, such as that shown in FIG. 15. In these
embodiments, the raised surface 77 may be integrally formed with the base
plate 16 and socket 39 such that the raised surface 77 may be cast,
forged, or the like with the base plate 16 and/or socket 39.
Alternatively, the raised surface 77 may be non-removably attached to the
opening 35a of the base plate 16 such as by adding a weld bead 77b, such
as that shown in FIG. 18, welding an attachment device, or the like. The
raised surface 76 may be a detachable feature that may be fastened to the
opening 35a of the base plate 16, such as for example shown in FIG. 19.
By way of a non-limiting example, a fastener 83 may be used to attach the
detachable feature such that it may be removed and attached by an
operator.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the
clinch 75 may comprise a plurality of discontinuous raised surfaces 78,
such as by way of a non-limiting example, the plurality of discontinuous
raised surfaces 78 may comprise a plurality of nubs 78a positioned on the
circumference 76 of the opening 35a of the base plate 16. In these
embodiments, the discontinuous raised surfaces 78 may be spaced along the
circumference of the opening 35a. The discontinuous raised surface 78 may
be spaced uniformly or alternatively may be randomly positioned along the
circumference 76 of the opening 35a and may take any appropriate shape or
size. Any number of such discontinuous raised surfaces 78 may be used.
The plurality of discontinuous raised surfaces 78 may extend almost
one-half of the circumference 76 of the opening 35a. Alternatively, the
plurality of discontinuous raised surfaces 78 may extend between one-half
and one-third of the circumference 76 of the opening 35a. In other
embodiments, the plurality of discontinuous raised surfaces 78 may extend
less than one-third of the circumference 76 of the opening 35a. Any
number of such discontinuous raised surfaces 78 may be used. In these
embodiments, the discontinuous raised surfaces 78 may be integrally
formed with the base plate 16 and/or socket 39 such that the
discontinuous raised surfaces 78 are cast, forged, or the like with the
base plate 16 and/or socket 39. Alternatively, the discontinuous raised
surfaces 78 may be non-removably attached to the opening 35a of the base
plate 16 such as by using a plurality of weld beads, welding an
attachment device, or the like. The discontinuous raised surfaces 78 may
be a detachable feature that may be fastened to the opening 35a of the
base plate 16, as is shown for example in FIG. 20. By way of a
non-limiting example, a fastener 83 may be used to attach the detachable
feature such that it may be removed and attached by an operator.

[0084] In the embodiments set forth above, the clinch 75 may, by way of a
non-limiting example, extend radially inwardly from the circumference of
the opening 35a (or adjacent thereto) of the base plate 16 between
approximately one-sixteenth and one-quarter of an inch. In one
embodiment, the clinch 75 may extend radially approximately
three-sixteenth an inch from the circumference of the opening 35a of the
base plate 16.

[0085] In association with the clinch 75, the opening 35a may include a
recess 79 positioned laterally opposed the opening 35a from the clinch
75. The recess 79 may be sized substantially the same as the clinch 75
such that the opening 35a of these embodiments are of substantially the
same size of the opening 35 so as to not limit entry of the hitch ball 42
into the socket 39. In the embodiments in which the clinch 75 comprises a
continuous raised surface 77 positioned on a circumference 76 of the
opening 35a of the socket 39, the recess 79 may be of substantially the
same size as that of the continuous raised surface 77. By way of a
non-limiting example, if the continuous raised surface 77 extends
approximately one-half of the circumference 76 of the opening 35a, the
recess 79 may similarly extend approximately one-half of the
circumference 76 of the opening 35a. Alternatively, if the clinch 75
comprises a plurality of discontinuous raised surfaces 78 that extends
between approximately one-half to one-third of the circumference 76 of
the opening 35a, the recess 79 may likewise extend between approximately
one-half to one-third of the circumference 76 of the opening 35a. In
other embodiments, the recess 79 may remain constant while the clinch 75
may vary such as for example in the embodiment in which the clinch 75 is
removably attachable. In other embodiments, the recess 79 may extend
along more of the circumference 76 of the opening 35a then the clinch 75.
For example, the recess 79 may extend approximately one-half of the
circumference 76 of the opening 35a whereas the clinch 75 may extend
approximately one-third of the circumference 76 of the opening 35a.

[0086] The locking plate 20 may be of a shape and size to include a
symmetric entry distended surface 80. In particular, the distended
surface 80 may be shaped so that it extends as a funnel out from the
hitch ball opening 74 of the locking plate 20 to create a larger surface,
which may make it easier to install the hitch ball 42 through the hitch
ball opening 74, through the opening 35 (or 35a), and into the socket 39.
For example, when the gooseneck coupler 10 is lowered onto the hitch ball
42 the distended surface 80 creates a big target such that any minor
misalignment between the gooseneck coupler 10 and the hitch ball 42 may
be substantially corrected. As the gooseneck coupler 10 is lowered onto
the hitch ball 42, gravity helps to move the gooseneck coupler 10 into
substantial alignment with the hitch ball 42 by riding along the
distended surface 80 until the hitch ball 42 enters the opening 74 in the
locking plate 20 and the opening 35 (or 35a) in the base plate 16.

[0087] The locking mechanism 24 may be attached to the locking plate 20.
The locking mechanism 24 may be positioned on the locking plate 20 in
such a manner as to allow the inner tube 14 to be substantially
un-obstructively retracted into the outer tube 12. This can be seen, for
example, in FIG. 2A. More specifically, the locking mechanism 24 may be
attached to the locking plate 20 in a location permitting the lower end
of outer tube 12 to be in close proximity to the locking plate 20 when
the inner tube 14 is in the retracted position. In this manner, the
locking mechanism 24 does not interfere with the telescoping engagement
of the inner tube 14 with the outer tube 12.

[0088] In exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the inner tube
14 may be capable of retracting into the outer tube 14 until the base
plate 16 is adjacent or in contact with the outer tube 12. It these
embodiments, the retraction of the inner tube 14 may be limited by the
base plate 16, not the locking mechanism as is common in the prior art.
In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the outer tube 12 may extend
below at least a portion of the locking mechanism 24 when the inner tube
14 is retracted or fully retracted. In these embodiments, the locking
mechanism 24 may not restrict the retraction of the outer tube 12
relative to the inner tube 14. The locking mechanism 24 not restricting
retraction of the outer tube 12 may result in the outer tube 12 being in
close proximity to, contacting or may rest upon the base plate 16 as
shown in FIG. 1B.

[0089] The locking mechanism 24 may include a body portion 82 that is
attached to the locking plate 20, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-9. The body
portion 82 may be welded to the locking plate 20 or alternatively, may be
integrally formed with the locking plate 20 so that they are formed of
one integral piece. The body portion 82 may include at least one aperture
85. Although, in the exemplary embodiment shown, by way of a non-limiting
example, two apertures 85 are shown located on opposite sides of the body
portion 82.

[0090] The locking mechanism 24 may further include a handle 90. The
handle 90 may comprise a substantially straight tubular portion 92 and a
curved portion 94. The straight portion 92 and the curved portion 94 may
be integrally formed together, may be welded together, or otherwise
attached using fasteners, or the like. The straight portion 92 may extend
through the body portion 82, and in particular, through the apertures 85
such that at least a portion of the straight portion 92 is retained
within the body portion 82. At least one bushing 96 may be retained
within the apertures 85 in the body portion 82 to help retain the handle
90 within the body portion 82. In particular, a single bushing 96 may be
positioned within either one of the apertures 85, or alternatively, a
bushing 96 may be positioned in each of the apertures 85. In an exemplary
embodiment, the bushings 96 may be oil impregnated bushings. The oil
impregnated bushings 96 may help allow the locking mechanism 24 to remain
lubricated during its operation. Specifically, lubrication of the handle
90 may extend the life of the locking mechanism 24 by helping reduce the
occurrence of oxidation. Additionally, lubrication of the handle 90 may
make rotation of the handle 90 easier during operation.

[0091] The locking mechanism 24 may further include a cam 97 and a spring
98. The spring 98 may telescopingly engage the handle 90 within the body
portion 82 of the locking plate 20. In particular, the spring 98
telescopingly engages the straight portion 92 of the handle 90. In this
exemplary embodiment, the spring 98 works as a dual action spring,
particularly working in compression and torsion. For example, the torsion
of the spring 98 may help keep the handle 90 and the cam 97 in the locked
position under a predetermined preload based upon the torsional
compressibility of the spring 98. The compression of the spring 98 may
also help keep the spring 98 and bushing 96 in place on the handle 90.
The torsion of the spring 98 may help prevent the handle 90 from rattling
within the body portion 82.

[0092] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the cam 97 may be
attached to the handle 90 adjacent the spring 98. In particular, the cam
97 may be secured to the straight portion 92 of the handle 90 and may be
positioned between the spring 98 and the body portion 82 in close
proximity to one of the apertures 85. By way of a non-limiting example,
the cam 97 may be secured to the handle 90 such as by using a fastener,
such as a pin mechanism. The cam 97 may be cast, forged, or the like. The
cam 97 may include a blade 100 that may be attached by welding,
integrally forming it with the cam 97, or the like. In a non-limiting
example, the blade 100 may be shaped, sized and positioned on the cam 97
to create a substantially helix like structure, which will be described
in more detail below. The cam 97 may further include a lubrication
fitting 102 at an appropriate position thereon, an example of which is
shown in FIG. 7. The lubrication fitting 102 may allow the lubrication of
the locking mechanism 24 and in particular certain moveable parts of the
locking mechanism 24. For example, the lubrication fitting 102 may allow
lubricant to be added to lubricate the rotating engagement of the bushing
96 and the handle 90, and of the cam 97 and handle 90.

[0093] The curved handle portion 94 includes a gripping portion 110. The
gripping portion 110 may be made of a material such as plastic, rubber,
or any such similar material. The gripping portion 110 may be of an
ergonomically beneficial shape such that it may make gripping the handle
90 easier. The gripping portion 110 may be attached to the handle 90 as
through fasteners, adhesives or the like or may be integrally formed with
the handle 90.

[0094] In operation, the gooseneck coupler 10 is capable of engaging the
hitch ball 42 attached to the towing vehicle such that the towing vehicle
may tow the towed vehicle. More specifically, the gooseneck coupler 10
may be positioned over the hitch ball 42 on the towing vehicle. The
locking mechanism 24 is put in the unlocked position and the locking
plate 20 is lined up with the base plate 16. The hitch ball 42 is then
positioned through the hitch ball opening 74 in the locking plate 20 and
through the opening 35 (or 35a) in the base plate 16 until the hitch ball
42 rests within the socket 39. Then the locking plate 20 may be pivoted
against the hitch ball 42 to wedgingly engage the locking plate 20 with
the hitch ball 42. The handle 90 may be used to help pivot the locking
plate 20.

[0095] The locking mechanism 24 may then be engaged to the locking
position to lock the gooseneck coupler 10 to the hitch ball 42. The
locking mechanism 24 may be rotated from the unlocked position to the
locked position. By way of a non-limiting example, to lock the locking
mechanism 24 the handle 90, and in particular, the gripping portion 110,
may be rotated counter-clockwise by a user. As the handle 90 is rotated
counter-clockwise the blade 100 rotates in a substantially helical path
and begins to engage the slot 62 of the base plate 16, which wedgingly
engages the locking plate 20 to the hitch ball 42. The more the handle 90
is rotated counter-clockwise the more the blade 100 engages the slot 62
of the base plate 16. More specifically, the blade 100 moves helically
toward the slot 62 of the base plate 16. As the blade 100 engages the
slot 62 of the base plate, the locking plate 20 may be pivoted relative
to the base plate 16 at the pivot 67. The more the locking plate 20
pivots relative to the base plate 16 the more the locking plate 20
engages the hitch ball 42 further securing the gooseneck 10 to the hitch
ball 42. The relative rotation between base plate 16 and locking plate 20
causes openings 35, 74 to become misaligned and secures the hitch ball 42
within socket 39. In an alternative embodiment, the hitch ball 42 may be
engaged between the locking plate 20 and the clinch 75 as described
above. In this alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 may
operate substantially as described herein.

[0096] The blade 100 further creates a hard stop when it is fully engaged
with the slot 62 of the base plate 16. This prevents further rotation of
the handle 90 beyond the locked position. More specifically, when the
handle 90 is in the fully locked position, the blade 100 will rest on top
of the base plate 16, which prevents further rotation of the handle 90.
When in the locked position, the handle 90 is in an approximate coplanar
position relative to the base plate 16. When handle 90 is in the unlocked
position, the handle 90 is in a substantially vertical position relative
to the base plate 16 and more specifically is disengaged from the slot 62
of the base plate 16.

[0097] The structure of the exemplary embodiment of the locking mechanism
24 permits an operator to use the handle 90 to lock the gooseneck coupler
10. In operation, the operator may only need to use the handle 90 to move
the locking plate 20 to pivot relative to the base plate 16 to lock the
gooseneck coupler 10 in place.

[0098] Additional embodiments of a gooseneck coupler according the present
teachings are described below. In the descriptions, all of the details
and components may not be fully described or shown. Rather, the features
or components are described and, in some instances, differences with the
above-described embodiments may be pointed out. Moreover, it should be
appreciated that these additional embodiments may include elements or
components utilized in the above-described embodiments although not shown
or described. Thus, the descriptions of these additional embodiments are
merely exemplary and not all-inclusive nor exclusive. Moreover, it should
be appreciated that the features, components, elements and
functionalities of the various embodiments may be combined or altered to
achieve a desired gooseneck coupler without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present teachings.

[0099] In another embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a
gooseneck coupler 210 may include an inner tube 214, an outer tube (not
shown), a base plate 216, a locking plate 220, and a locking mechanism
224. The base plate 216 may include an opening 235 and a socket 239. The
base plate 216 may include a first aperture (not shown) and a second
aperture 240. The locking plate 220 may include a hitch ball opening 264
that may be selectively aligned with the hitch ball opening 235 of the
base plate 216. The locking plate 220 may include a first aperture 281
and a second aperture 265. The gooseneck coupler 210 may also include a
fastener 266 which may be sized and shaped to engage the second aperture
265 of the locking plate 220 and the second aperture 240 of the base
plate 216, respectively, to pivotally secure the base plate 216 and
locking plate 220 together. The fastener 266 may be of any appropriate
shape, size, type or configuration that may provide for a pivotal
relationship between the base plate 216 and the locking plate 220.

[0100] The locking mechanism 224 may be attached to the locking plate 220.
More specifically, the locking mechanism 224 may include a tubular
portion 270 that is attached to the locking plate 220 such as by welding
or integrally forming it therewith. The locking mechanism 224 may further
include a handle 272 inserted through the tubular portion 270. The handle
272 may comprise an engaging portion 274 and a grasping portion 276. The
engaging portion 274 and grasping portion 276 may be attached by welding
them together, forming them integrally with one another, attaching them
using a fastening device, or the like. The handle 272 may be moved
axially relative to tubular portion 270 to lock and unlock gooseneck
coupler 210. The engaging portion 274 extends within the tubular portion
270 and may be shaped and sized to engage corresponding apertures in the
base plate 216 and the locking plate 220. In particular, the base plate
216 may include an aperture or opening in lieu of slot 62 that is
configured to receive engaging portion 274 and allow the engaging portion
274 to extend therethrough and into corresponding aperture 281 in locking
plate 220 to thereby allow engaging portion 274 to pivotally lock the
locking plate 220 relative to the base plate 216. When the handle 272 is
in this position, the gooseneck coupler 210 is in the locked position. In
some embodiments, engaging portion 274 may extend only into the aperture
in the base plate 216, and not into an aperture 281 in the locking plate
220, to pivotally lock the locking plate 220 relative to the base plate.

[0101] The locking mechanism 224 may further include a compression spring
278. The compression spring 278 may be telescopingly engaged with the
engaging portion 274 of the handle 272 within the tubular portion 270.
The spring 278 may bias the handle 272 to the locked position (toward
locking plate 220) such that the engaging portion 274 engages the
aperture in the base plate 216 and the aperture 281 in the locking plate
220 and handle 272 is resting in recess 295 of tubular portion 270. In
operation, the locking mechanism 224 can be moved axially and rotated
along a camming surface 296 to unlock the locking mechanism 224. More
specifically, the handle 272 may be rotated approximately 180° to
unlock the engaging portion 274 and handle 272 can be held in the
unlocked position by resting in recess 297 of tubular portion 270. When
in the unlocked position, locking plate 220 can pivot or slide relative
to the base plate 216 to open the gooseneck coupler 210. To close the
gooseneck coupler 210, locking plate 220 may be pivoted or slid relative
to the base plate 216 and the handle 272 may be rotated counter-clockwise
approximately 180° to the locked position and rest in recess 295.

[0102] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, a gooseneck coupler 310
includes an outer tube (not shown), an inner tube 314 having an optional
aperture 315, a base plate 316, a locking plate 320, and a locking
mechanism 324. In this embodiment, the base plate 316 may be pivotally
coupled to locking plate 320 to allow selective alignment between
corresponding hitch ball openings and the socket. A fastener 366 or the
like may be used to pivotally couple the base plate 316 to the locking
plate 320. Fastener 366 may be sized and shaped to engage the aperture
340 of the base plate 316 and a corresponding aperture (not shown) of the
locking plate 320. The fastener 366 may be of any appropriate shape,
size, type or configuration that may provide for a pivotal relationship
between the base plate 316 and the locking plate 320.

[0103] The locking mechanism 324 may be attached to the locking plate 320.
More specifically, the locking mechanism 324 includes a body 371 attached
to the locking plate 320 via welding, integrally forming the two together
or the like. The body 371 may include two different sets of apertures to
allow two different configurations for locking mechanism 324. The two
sets of apertures may both be present or just one set of apertures may be
present as desired. The first set of apertures may include a first
aperture 372 on the top side thereof, which substantially aligns with an
aperture 365. The second set of apertures may include aligned apertures
373, 399 on opposing side portions of the body 371. The locking mechanism
324 may further include an axially movable pin 381. The pin 381 may
include an engaging portion 382 and a gripping portion 383. The locking
mechanism 324 may further include a compression spring 390 telescopingly
engaged with the pin 381 within the body 371, which may bias pin 381 in a
locked/locking position. When pin 381 is used with apertures 373, 399,
inner tube 314 may include optional aperture 315.

[0104] In operation, the pin 381 may be disposed in either the first (372,
365) or second (373, 399) set of apertures. When the pin 381 is disposed
in the first set of apertures 372, 365 the engaging portion 382 will
extend through apertures 372, 365 and into a corresponding aperture (not
shown) in the base plate 316 to pivotally lock the base plate 316 to the
locking plate 320 thereby maintaining the gooseneck coupler 310 in the
locked position. Spring 390 may be biased to keep the engaging portion
382 of the pin 371 within the apertures of the base plate 316 and locking
plate 320. To open or unlock gooseneck coupler 310, pin 381 may be pulled
away from base plate 316 to thereby disengage and allow relative pivotal
movement between base plate 316 and locking plate 320.

[0105] Alternatively, when the pin 381 is disposed in the second set of
apertures 373, 399, the engaging portion 382 extends through the aperture
399 in the body 371 and into the aperture 315 in the inner tube 314. The
engagement of pin 381 with aperture 315 pivotally locks base plate 316
relative to the locking plate 320 thereby maintaining the gooseneck
coupler 310 in the locked position. Spring 390 may bias the pin 381 to
remain in the locked position. To open or unlock gooseneck coupler 310,
the gripping portion 383 may be pulled away from the inner tube 314
against the bias of the spring 390 to thereby disengage and allow
relative pivotal movement between base plate 316 and locking plate 320.

[0106] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, a gooseneck coupler 410
may include an outer tube (not shown), an inner tube (not shown), a base
plate 416, a locking plate 420 pivotally coupled to base plate 416, and a
locking mechanism 424. The base plate 416 may include a slot 430. The
locking mechanism 424 may include a movable handle 440 to selectively
unlock base plate 416 from locking plate 420. The handle 440 may include
a first end 441 and a second end 442. The first and second ends 441, 442
may be movably attached to the locking plate 420 and extend through first
and second apertures 445, 446, respectively, in the locking plate 420.
Springs (not shown) may be telescopingly engaged with the first and
second ends 441, 442 of the handle 440 within the apertures 445, 446 of
the locking plate 420. The springs may bias the handle 440 toward a
locked position (toward locking plate 420 in the orientation shown).

[0107] The handle 440 may further include a gripping portion 443. The
gripping portion 443 may have attached thereto a locking tab 450. The tab
450 may be shaped and sized to engage the slot 430 of the base plate 416
when in the locked position. To move the gooseneck coupler 410 to the
unlocked position, one may pull upward (in the orientation shown) on the
handle 440 to overcome the biasing force of the springs thereby
disengaging the tab 450 from the slot 430. In this position, relative
pivotal movement between the base plate 416 and locking plate 420 may be
permitted.

[0108] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 the gooseneck coupler
510 may include an outer tube (not shown), an inner tube 514, a base
plate 516 attached with the inner tube 514, and a locking plate 520
pivotally connected with the base plate 516. The base plate 516 may
include slot 526. The gooseneck coupler 510 may further include a locking
mechanism 524 attached to the locking plate 520.

[0109] The locking mechanism 524 may comprise an axially and rotatably
moveable handle 530 attached to the locking plate 520 via a fastener 535.
The handle 530 in this embodiment may be substantially shaped as a
half-circle as shown. A spring 540 may be positioned between the handle
530 and the locking plate 520 such that the spring 540 biases the handle
530 toward the locking plate 520 (the locking position). The locking
mechanism 524 may further include a tang 537 attached to the handle 530.
The tang 537 may be welded to the handle 530, integrally formed with the
handle 530 or the like. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS.
29 and 30 a second tang 537a may be attached to an opposite side of the
handle 530. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 29, both
tangs 537 and 537a may include a wedge portion 539 that may help move the
locking mechanism 524 from a locked position to an unlocked position as
well as act as an aid for entry of the tang 537a into slot 526.

[0110] When the gooseneck coupler 510 is in the locked position, either
one of the tangs 537 or 537a may engage the slot 526 of the base plate
516 to thereby pivotally lock the base plate 516 relative to the locking
plate 520. To unlock the gooseneck coupler 510, the handle 530 may be
lifted against the bias of the spring 540 and rotated until the
appropriate tang 537, 537a disengages from the slot 526 of the base plate
516. The wedge portion 539 may help with disengaging the tang 537, 537a
from the slot 526. Additionally, by using two tangs 537 and 537a, if one
tang 537 or 537a wears out from use, the other tang 537 or 537a may be
used. This may further extend the life of the locking mechanism 524.

[0111] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, a
gooseneck coupler 570 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 and
described above. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 524' may be
attached to the locking plate 520' at a substantially 45° angle.
Moreover, the handle 580 may be substantially cross-shaped instead of a
half-circle shape. More specifically, the handle 580 may include first
and second gripping portions 581 and 582, respectively, laterally spaced
from one another. The locking mechanism 524 further may include a spring
590 biasly engaging the handle 580 to remain in the locked position. The
remaining parts of the gooseneck coupler 570 may be substantially similar
to that described above for gooseneck coupler 510.

[0112] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, a gooseneck coupler 610 may
include an outer tube (not shown) an inner tube (not shown), a base plate
616 attached with the inner tube, and a locking plate 620 pivotally
connected with the base plate 616. The gooseneck coupler 610 may further
include a locking mechanism 624. In this embodiment, the base plate 616
and locking plate 620 may include selectively alignable apertures (not
shown) that can be used to pivotally lock the base plate 616 relative to
the locking plate 620. The locking mechanism 624 may be attached to the
locking plate 620. More specifically, the locking mechanism 624 may
include a body portion 670 that is attached to the locking plate 620 such
as by welding, integrally forming it therewith, or the like. The locking
mechanism 624 may further include a handle 672 inserted through the body
portion 670. The handle 672 may comprise an engaging portion 674 and a
grasping portion 676. The engaging portion 674 and grasping portion 676
may be attached by welding them together, forming them integrally with
one another, attaching them using a fastening device, or the like. The
engaging portion 674 may extend through the body portion 670 and be
shaped and sized to engage the selectively alignable apertures (not
shown) in the locking plate 620 and base plate 616. When the handle 672
is engaged with the apertures (not shown) in base plate 616 and locking
plate 620 the gooseneck coupler 610 is in the locked position.

[0113] The locking mechanism 624 may further include a compression spring
675. The compression spring 675 may be telescopingly engaged with the
engaging portion 674 of the handle 672 within the body portion 670. The
spring 675 may bias the handle 672 to the locked position such that the
engaging portion 674 engages the apertures (not shown) in the locking
plate 620 and base plate 616. In operation, the locking mechanism 624 may
be lifted to unlock the locking mechanism 624 and allow relative pivotal
movement between locking plate 620 and base plate 616.

[0114] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 34, a gooseneck coupler 710 may
include an outer tube (not shown), an inner tube 714, a base plate 716
attached with the inner tube 714, and a locking plate 720 pivotally
connected with the base plate 716. The base plate 716 in addition to or
alternatively the inner tube 714 may include a slot 726. The gooseneck
coupler 710 further may include a locking mechanism 724 attached to the
locking plate 720.

[0115] The locking mechanism 724 may include a rotatable handle 730
attached to the locking plate 720. The locking mechanism 724 may include
a blade 735 that is capable of engaging the slot 726 when in the locked
position to prevent relative pivotal movement between base plate 716 and
locking plate 720. To unlock the locking mechanism 724, the handle 730
may be rotated until the blade 735 disengages from the slot 726 such that
the locking plate 720 may pivot relative to the base plate 716.

[0116] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 35, a gooseneck coupler 810 may
include an outer tube (not shown), an inner tube 814, a base plate 816
attached with the inner tube 814, and a locking plate 820 pivotally
connected with the base plate 816. The base plate 816 in addition to or
alternatively the inner tube 814 may include corresponding slot 826. The
gooseneck coupler 810 further includes a locking mechanism 824 attached
to the locking plate 820.

[0117] The locking mechanism 824 may include a push button 830 attached to
the locking plate 820. The locking mechanism 824 may include a boss 835
that is capable of engaging the slot 826 when in the locked position.
Boss 835 may be of any appropriate size, shape or configuration, such as
substantially square. When boss 835 is engaged with slot 826, base plate
816 is pivotally locked relative to locking plate 820. Further a spring
(not shown) may bias the boss 825 into engagement with the slot 826 to
help keep the gooseneck coupler 810 in the locked position. To unlock the
locking mechanism 824, the push button 830 may be pushed downward (toward
locking plate 820) until the stamping boss 825 disengages from the slot
826 such that the locking plate 820 may pivot relative to the base plate
816.

[0118] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 36, a gooseneck coupler 910 may
include an outer tube (not shown), an inner tube 914, a base plate 916
attached with the inner tube 914, and a locking plate 920 pivotally
connected with the base plate 916. The gooseneck coupler 910 may further
include a locking mechanism 924 attached to the locking plate 920.

[0119] The locking mechanism 924 may include a rotating handle 930
attached to the locking plate 920. The handle 924 may include a
substantially flat portion 935 that is capable of wedgingly engaging a
corresponding flat edge portion 951 of the base plate 916 when in the
locked position to thereby pivotally lock the base plate 916 relative to
the locking plate 920. To unlock the locking mechanism 924, the handle
930 may be rotated until the substantially flat portion 935 disengages
from the edge portion 951 of the base plate 916 such that the locking
plate 920 may pivot relative to the base plate 916.

[0120] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 37, a gooseneck coupler 1010 may
include an outer tube (not shown), an inner tube 1014, a base plate 1016
attached with the inner tube 1014, and a locking plate 1020 pivotally
connected with the base plate 1016. The base plate 1016 in addition to or
alternatively the inner tube 1014 may include slot 1026. The gooseneck
coupler 1010 may further include a locking mechanism 1024 attached to the
locking plate 1020.

[0121] The locking mechanism 1024 may include a rotating handle 1030
attached to the locking plate 1020. The handle 1024 may include a camming
device 1035 that is capable of engaging the slot 1026 to pivotally lock
base plate 1016 relative to locking plate 1020 when in the locked
position. Camming device 1035 may be any appropriate size, shape or
configuration, such as a substantially helical shape. To unlock the
locking mechanism 1024, the handle may be rotated until the camming
device 1035 disengages from the slot 1026 such that the locking plate
1020 may pivot relative to the base plate 1016. Moreover, when camming
device 1035 is helically shaped, the further that the helical shaped
camming device 1035 is rotated toward the locked position, the more that
the locking plate 1020 engages the hitch ball 42 of the towing vehicle.

[0122] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 38-41 the gooseneck coupler 1110
may include an outer tube 1112, an inner tube 1114, and a base member
1116, which may be a generally hollow plate as shown in FIGS. 38-41. More
specifically, the base member 1116 may include a cavity 1117 there
within. The cavity 1117 may be of any appropriate shape and size and is
not limited to that shown and described. The base member 1116 may include
a slot 1121, wherein the slot 1121 may extend from the cavity 1117 as
further described below. The base member 1116 may be attached with the
inner tube 1114 in any appropriate manner.

[0123] The gooseneck coupler 1110 may include a locking member 1120 of any
appropriate shape and size. In some embodiments, the locking member 1120
may comprise a blade 1120a as shown in FIGS. 40a and 41a or plate 1120 as
shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, which may be positioned within the cavity 1117
and may be pivotally attached to the base member 1116 at pivot 1167. At
least of portion of the locking member 1120 may be positioned within the
cavity 1117 of the base member 1116 and in some embodiments a majority of
the locking member 1120 may be positioned within the base member 1116.
Further, a portion of the locking member 1120 may extend through the slot
1121 of the base member 1116, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. In some
embodiments as shown in FIGS. 40a and 41a, the locking member 1120 may be
a blade 1120a that includes a recessed portion 1187a that may be shaped
and sized to allow the hitch ball 42 to pass through the opening 1135 and
the recessed portion 1187a into a cavity 1139 when the gooseneck coupler
1110 is in the unlocked position. In other embodiments as shown in FIGS.
40 and 41, the locking member 1120 may be a plate that includes an
aperture 1187 that may be shaped and sized to allow the hitch ball 42 to
pass through the opening 1135 and the aperture 1187 into the cavity 1139
when the gooseneck coupler 1110 is in the unlocked position.

[0124] The gooseneck coupler 1110 may further include a locking mechanism
1124 that may be attached to the locking member 1120 or 1120a in any
appropriate manner. The locking mechanism 1124 may be attached to the
locking member 1120 or 1120a in such a manner as to allow the inner tube
1114 to be substantially un-obstructively retracted into the outer tube
1112. More specifically, the locking mechanism 1124 may be attached to
the locking member 1120 or 1120a in a location such that the locking
mechanism 1124 may generally not interfere with the telescoping
engagement of the inner tube 1114 with the outer tube 1112. By way of a
non-limiting example, the locking member 1120 or 1120a may be generally
positioned within the cavity 1117 and a portion of which may extend from
the slot 1121 of the base member 1116. The portion of the locking member
1120 or 1120a that may extend from the slot 1121 may be operatively
attached to the locking mechanism 1124 in a position that may generally
not interfere or restrict the telescoping engagement of the inner and
outer tubes 1114, 1112.

[0125] In some embodiments, the base member 1116 may include a slot 1162.
The slot 1162 may be positioned in proximity to the locking mechanism
1124 such that when the gooseneck coupler 1110 is in the locked position,
the locking mechanism 1124 may engage the slot 1162 as more fully
described below. The slot 1162 may be integrally formed with the base
member 1116 or may be formed therein such as by machining the slot 1162
into the base member 1116 after formation of the base member 1116, by way
of a non-limiting example. The base member 1116 may also include an
opening 1135 that may be shaped and sized to receive a hitch ball 42.

[0126] The locking mechanism 1124 may include a body portion 1182 that may
be attached to the locking member 1120 or 1120a, as shown in FIGS.
38-41a. The body portion 1182 may be welded to the locking member 1120 or
1120a or alternatively, may be integrally formed with the locking member
1120 or 1120a so that they are formed of one integral piece. The body
portion 1182 may include apertures 1185 located on opposite sides of the
body portion 1182.

[0127] The locking mechanism 1124 may further include a handle 1190. The
handle 1190 may comprise a substantially straight tubular portion 1192
and a curved portion 1194. The straight portion 1192 and the curved
portion 1194 may be integrally formed together, may be welded together,
or otherwise attached using fasteners, or the like. The straight portion
1192 may extend through a body portion 1182 of the locking mechanism
1124. In particular, the straight portion 1192 may extend through
apertures 1185 such that at least a portion of the straight portion 1192
is retained within the body portion 1182. At least one bushing 1196 may
be retained within the apertures 1185 in the body portion 1182, which may
help retain the handle 1190 within the body portion 1182.

[0128] The locking mechanism 1124 may further include a cam 1197 and a
spring 1198. The spring 1198 may telescopingly engage the handle 1190
within the body portion 1182. In some embodiments, the spring 1198 may
work as a dual action spring, particularly working in compression and
torsion. For example, the torsion of the spring 1198 may help keep the
handle 1190 and the cam 1197 in the locked position under a predetermined
preload based upon the torsional compressibility of the spring 1198. The
compression of the spring 1198 may also help keep the spring 1198 and
bushing 1196 in place on the handle 1190. The torsion of the spring 1198
may help prevent the handle 1190 from rattling within the body portion
1182.

[0129] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 38, the cam 1197 may
be attached to the handle 1190 adjacent the spring 1198. In particular,
the cam 1197 may be secured to the straight portion 1192 of the handle
1190 and may be positioned between the spring 1198 and the body portion
1182. By way of a non-limiting example, the cam 1197 may be secured to
the handle 1190. The cam 1197 may include a blade 1195 that may be
attached with the cam 1197. In a non-limiting example, the blade 1199 may
be shaped, sized and positioned on the cam 1197 to create a substantially
helix like structure. The cam 1197 may further include a lubrication
fitting 1202 at an appropriate position thereon, an example of which is
shown in FIGS. 38 and 40-42. The lubrication fitting 1202 may allow the
lubrication of the locking mechanism 1124 and in particular certain
moveable parts of the locking mechanism 1124.

[0130] In some embodiments, the locking member 1120a may include the
recessed portion 1187a previously noted. The recessed portion 1187a may
be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as of a
generally semi-circular shape as shown in FIGS. 40a and 41a. The recessed
portion 1187a may be located at any appropriate position on the locking
member 1120a, whereby the recessed portion 1187a may generally align with
the opening 1135 in the base member 1116 when the base member 1116 and
locking member 1120a are pivotably attached and are in the unlocked
position. This alignment of the opening 1135 in the base member 1116 and
the recessed portion 1187a of the locking member 1120a may provide an
entrance for the hitch ball 42 to enter into a socket 1139 of the base
member 1116.

[0131] In some embodiments, the locking member 1120 may include the
aperture 1187 previously noted. The aperture 1187 may be of any
appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as of a generally
circular shape as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41. The aperture 1187 may be
located at any appropriate position on the locking member 1120, whereby
the aperture 1187 may generally align with the opening 1135 in the base
member 1116 when the base member 1116 and locking member 1120 are
pivotably attached and are in the unlocked position. This alignment of
the opening 1135 in the base member 1116 and the aperture 1187 of the
locking member 1120a may provide an entrance for the hitch ball 42 to
enter into a socket 1139 of the base member 1116.

[0132] In operation, the gooseneck coupler 1110 may be positioned over the
hitch ball 42 on the towing vehicle. The hitch ball 42 may be positioned
through the opening 1135 in the base member 1116 and may pass through the
recessed portion 1187a of the locking member 1120a or the aperture 1187
of the locking member 1120, as applicable, until the hitch ball 42 rests
within the socket 1139. The locking member 1120 or 1120a may be pivoted
against the hitch ball 42 to wedgingly engage the locking member 1120 or
1120a with the hitch ball 42. The handle 1190 may be used to help pivot
the locking member 1120 or 1120a.

[0133] The locking mechanism 1124 may then be engaged to the locking
position to lock the gooseneck coupler 1110 to the hitch ball 42. The
locking mechanism 1124 may be rotated from the unlocked position to the
locked position. By way of a non-limiting example, to lock the locking
mechanism 1124 the handle 1190 may be rotated counter-clockwise by a
user. As the handle 1190 is rotated counter-clockwise the blade 1195 may
rotate in a substantially helical path and begin to engage the slot 1162
of the base member 1116, which may wedgingly engage the locking member
1120 or 1120a to the hitch ball 42. The more the handle 1190 is rotated
counter-clockwise the more the blade 1195 engages the slot 1162 of the
base member 1116. More specifically, the blade 1195 may move helically
toward the slot 1162 of the base member 1116. As the blade 1195 engages
the slot 1162 of the base member 1116, the locking member 1120 or 1120a
may be pivoted relative to the base member 1116 at the pivot 1167. The
more the locking member 1120 or 1120a pivots relative to the base member
1116 the more the locking member 1120 or 1120a engages the hitch ball 42
further securing the gooseneck 1110 to the hitch ball 42. The relative
rotation between base member 1116 and locking member 1120 or 1120a may
cause opening and recessed portion 1135, 1187 to become misaligned and
secures the hitch ball 42 within socket 1139, an example of which is
shown in FIG. 41.

[0134] The base member 1116 may be of a shape and size to include a
symmetric entry distended surface 1180. In particular, the distended
surface 1180 may be shaped so that it extends as a funnel out from the
opening 1135 of the base member 1116 to create a larger surface, which
may make it easier to install the hitch ball 42 through the opening 1135,
and into the socket 1139. For example, when the gooseneck coupler 1110 is
lowered onto the hitch ball 42 the distended surface 1180 may create a
big target such that any minor misalignment between the gooseneck coupler
1110 and the hitch ball 42 may be substantially corrected. As the
gooseneck coupler 1110 is lowered onto the hitch ball 42, gravity helps
to move the gooseneck coupler 1110 into substantial alignment with the
hitch ball 42 by riding along the distended surface 1180 until the hitch
ball 42 enters the opening 1135 in the base member 1116 and through the
recessed portion 1187 of the locking member 1120 or 1120a.

[0135] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 42, the base member
1116 may further include a clinch 1175 positioned on a circumference 1176
at or adjacent to the opening 1135a to the socket 1139. Clinch 1175 may
extend radially inwardly. In these embodiments, when the gooseneck
coupler 1110a is in the locked position, the hitch ball 42 may be
wedgingly engaged between the clinch 1175 and the locking member 1120 (or
locking member 1120a). In these embodiments, the clinch 1175 may help
balance the forces with the portion of the locking member 1120 (or
locking member 1120a) that engages the hitch ball 42. Specifically when
the clinch 1175 and the locking member 1120 (or locking member 1120a)
engage the hitch ball 42 the load applied to the gooseneck coupler 1110a
by the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle 11 may be transferred between
both the locking member 1120 (or locking member 1120a) and through the
clinch 1175 and up into the inner tube 1114. It is, therefore, possible
that less load may be applied to the locking member 1120 (or locking
member 1120a) during operation.

[0136] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing
detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention
is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the
invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements,
modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the
claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all
modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of
the claims or the equivalent thereof.